❓ Mr. Mubarakai asks about the WA government's support for the events industry during COVID-19 and its recovery. The Minister details various financial support programs and notes positive trends in audience attendance and future bookings.
AnsweredQoN 284Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS
— EVENTS INDUSTRY — SUPPORT
284. Mr Y. MUBARAKAI to the Minister for Culture and the Arts:
I refer to the McGowan Labor government's commitments
to supporting Western Australia's events industry throughout the
pandemic. Can the minister update the house on the support this government has
provided to the industry and how this industry is recovering from the impacts
of COVID-19?
— EVENTS INDUSTRY — SUPPORT
284. Mr Y. MUBARAKAI to the Minister for Culture and the Arts:
I refer to the McGowan Labor government's commitments
to supporting Western Australia's events industry throughout the
pandemic. Can the minister update the house on the support this government has
provided to the industry and how this industry is recovering from the impacts
of COVID-19?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Jandakot for his question and for his
deep interest in all things cultural, and particularly, of course, our vibrant arts sector. The member has asked a very good
question, because I think it is important to place on the record that
this government has not only provided an environment in which it can deal with
the pandemic well, but also has targeted responses to challenging times. There
is no doubt that the events industry has been challenged over the COVID period.
The member might be aware that as part of the government's strong financial
focus and management, it has been able to deliver significant funds to a range
of programs. The Getting the Show Back on the Road program has seen over $18 million
provided under a risk-share program. There has been a very strong take-up of
that. There has also been strong support for event providers. Recently, of
course, we had the $3 million event suppliers support program, which provided
support of up to $50 000 for eligible event suppliers. There was also the $1.8 million
nightclub assistance program for an area that was heavily impacted by COVID
circumstances. The Premier announced the $1.3 million performing arts, theatres
and cinemas assistance program some weeks ago. All programs were targeted
because we have consistently focused on ensuring that the interests and needs
of the sector were and are considered very closely.
One thing that we are very
pleased about is the trends we are now seeing in audiences returning to venues.
Obviously , with arrangements for venues to be at 100 per cent capacity,
we are seeing a very, very good take-up. Last week or the week before, along
with the Minister for Tourism, we announced the English Premier League fixtures
to be showcased in July. Already, general tickets for the Manchester United
game have sold out, but there are still some tickets
available for those seeking hospitality and travel packages. Of course, we have
a range of other events booked in to Optus Stadium and other VenuesWest
facilities. The audience trend is very, very strong and demonstrates that Western
Australians appreciate that the circumstances they faced under COVID required
them to take extra precautions, but, as we
know, Western Australians love their sport, love their arts and they love their
events, and they will come out in their tens of thousands to support them. That
trend is increasing and I am pleased to say that a number of big acts
are also booking for later this year and into 2023. That means, along with the
efforts of the tourism minister and the McGowan government to continue to
attract interstate and international visitation to the state, the effort is
focused on ensuring that Western Australia is seen as the place people choose
to visit, either for a sporting or a cultural event, or indeed to wander out
yonder to experience the magnificent regions of Western Australia.
Things are looking good and demonstrate that the commitment
by the McGowan government to respond to the need,
to respond to the challenge and to provide support where it is required is now
bearing good fruit. I look forward to more fruit being delivered as part
of a lovely fruit salad of experiences in the future!
The SPEAKER : The member for Vasse with the last
question.
deep interest in all things cultural, and particularly, of course, our vibrant arts sector. The member has asked a very good
question, because I think it is important to place on the record that
this government has not only provided an environment in which it can deal with
the pandemic well, but also has targeted responses to challenging times. There
is no doubt that the events industry has been challenged over the COVID period.
The member might be aware that as part of the government's strong financial
focus and management, it has been able to deliver significant funds to a range
of programs. The Getting the Show Back on the Road program has seen over $18 million
provided under a risk-share program. There has been a very strong take-up of
that. There has also been strong support for event providers. Recently, of
course, we had the $3 million event suppliers support program, which provided
support of up to $50 000 for eligible event suppliers. There was also the $1.8 million
nightclub assistance program for an area that was heavily impacted by COVID
circumstances. The Premier announced the $1.3 million performing arts, theatres
and cinemas assistance program some weeks ago. All programs were targeted
because we have consistently focused on ensuring that the interests and needs
of the sector were and are considered very closely.
One thing that we are very
pleased about is the trends we are now seeing in audiences returning to venues.
Obviously , with arrangements for venues to be at 100 per cent capacity,
we are seeing a very, very good take-up. Last week or the week before, along
with the Minister for Tourism, we announced the English Premier League fixtures
to be showcased in July. Already, general tickets for the Manchester United
game have sold out, but there are still some tickets
available for those seeking hospitality and travel packages. Of course, we have
a range of other events booked in to Optus Stadium and other VenuesWest
facilities. The audience trend is very, very strong and demonstrates that Western
Australians appreciate that the circumstances they faced under COVID required
them to take extra precautions, but, as we
know, Western Australians love their sport, love their arts and they love their
events, and they will come out in their tens of thousands to support them. That
trend is increasing and I am pleased to say that a number of big acts
are also booking for later this year and into 2023. That means, along with the
efforts of the tourism minister and the McGowan government to continue to
attract interstate and international visitation to the state, the effort is
focused on ensuring that Western Australia is seen as the place people choose
to visit, either for a sporting or a cultural event, or indeed to wander out
yonder to experience the magnificent regions of Western Australia.
Things are looking good and demonstrate that the commitment
by the McGowan government to respond to the need,
to respond to the challenge and to provide support where it is required is now
bearing good fruit. I look forward to more fruit being delivered as part
of a lovely fruit salad of experiences in the future!
The SPEAKER : The member for Vasse with the last
question.
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